Tarot and the Gates of Light

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Tarot and the Gates of Light - A Kabbalistic Path to Liberation by Mark Horn, paperback, 530 pages published by Destiny Books.

This is a workbook to assist the student to gain enlightenment through an ancient Kabbalistic cleansing ritual known as ‘Counting the Omer’. This practice traditionally began at Passover and continued for 49 days to Shavuot or what many know as Pentecost or Whit (white) Sunday. Tarot cards are used here - b/w drawings of the Rider Waite deck are provided within the text, in this newly designed method, which incorporates Jewish, Christian, Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim texts and has therefore, an ecumenical base that does not exclude anyone of these religions, or none.

Templar Sanctuaries in North America

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Templar Sanctuaries in North America - Sacred Bloodlines and Secret Treasures by William F Mann, Foreword by Scott F Wolter. Published by Destiny Books, 419 pages Paperback: £14.99 Also available in Kindle format.

The Goddess Casts the Runes

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: The Goddess Casts the Runes - Divination & Wisdom of the Earth Mother by Anu Dudley. Published by Destiny Books. RRP US $16.99 : Can $21.50

A Sacred Planet Book. 

Information on each rune is detailed, along with personal stories from the author, their original female Havamal origin, and how the Elder Futhark runes are cast and read from the perspective of earth based, feminist style goddess ethics and wisdom. Each of the 24 runes is explained individually. They are divided into three sections of Maiden, Mother and Crone. with The Maiden Arc of Birthrights, the Mother Arc of Challenges, and the Crone Arc of Relationships. 

Anyone working with this method of casting and reading the runes will grow closer to the Norse deities, and will grow in understanding of the energies that inspired the development of the runes. If you like runic energies, you will love this way of working with the goddess. 

Written by Anu Dudley, an ordained Pagan minister and retired history professor, you know this book will be an authority on the both the goddess and the runes, and the reclaiming of the runes for the goddess. She teaches courses: History of the Goddess, Paganism 101, and Ethical Magic, and she produces a radio show, Earthwise - Reflections on Earth-based Spirituality. 

Recommended. review by Wendy Stokes 

Ancient Goddess Magic

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Ancient Goddess Magic - Invoking the Queens of the Heavens by Vanessa Lavallee. Published by Destiny Books. £10.99 December 2025

The Canadian author, Vanessa Lavallee MA is an Anamist practitioner and ancient magic enthusiast. Her Masters thesis was in ancient religions and she is working towards a Doctorate in religious studies. She is immensely knowledgeable and yet, explains so simply, the book is very readable, and coming from this academic and expert on the subject, is deep and warm and trusted information. 

The chapters are divided into aspects of the goddess, as Creatrix, Warrior, Healer, Lady of the Sea, and there are additional chapters for rituals pertaining to astrology, and our legacy of celestial magic. Many beautiful images in black and white illustrate the pages. Goddess symbols are included and goddesses are detailed with their time of the seasons, with their principle message and power. There are quotes from texts that pertain to the energies. 

Dream Wisdom Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Dream Wisdom Oracle by Greg Mahr MD, and Heather Taylor Zimmerman MD. Magnetic box containing a set of 46 cards and guidebook. Published by Destiny Books imprint of Inner Traditions. UK : £23.99 1st January 2026

Written by two of the most qualified oracle designers, Dr Mahr, a psychiatrist and specialist in dreams, and Dr Zimmerman, a psychologist, trained in Jungian psychotherapy, and she is also a visionary artist. Both co-authored the book The Wisdom of Dreams’ that relates to this oracle deck. 

We have full explanation on how to use these cards, 4 methods are given. The deck consists of 6 cards of text that describe a method of Bringing Dreams to Life. Each of the other 40 cards are titled and numbered and carry an image. They focus on the traditional symbolism. In the accompanying book, we have excellent information on exploring our dreams, and the importance of dream work and how to use it for the best outcome. There are 12 steps to help us befriend our dreams and a chapter on Maintaining our connection to our dream life. 

Sibyls Oraculum

Mind, Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Sibyls Oraculum - Oracle of the Black Doves of Africa by Tayannah Lee McQuillar, with artwork by Katelan V Foisy, Pack contains 44 cards and comprehensive information book. £16.99 published by Destiny Books

"There will be a coming of the day when that which is hidden shall be revealed" 

The Libyan Sibyl

The author, Tayannah Lee McQuillar is a cultural anthropologist, scholar of religion, esoterica and mysticism. She hails from New York but conducted her research in Brazil and New Orleans and has shown great expertise in her knowledge of divination from earliest antiquity in this North African study and uniquely developed card system. She is the author of  'Rootwork'.

Entity Possession

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Entity Possession - Freeing the Energy Body of Negative Influences by Samuel Sagan MD published by Destiny Books, 200 pages. Author website:
http://www.clairvision.org/

This book details Dr Sagan's formulated method, described as the 'ISIS Technique' which is used for the identification and treatment of undesirable spirit based entities. Examples are given, and types of entities, fragments and cords are described. Information about Reincarnation is provided. Taoist, Indian, Jewish, and other religious movements are honoured. Dangers of entity possession are explained, such as accidents, miscarriage, abortion, shocks, drugs, surgery, etc., including losses, possessions, black magic, etc. Clearing and cleansing is described in detail and the book acts as an instruction manual. 

The New Orleans Voodoo Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Card Deck Review: The New Orleans Voodoo Tarot by Louis Martinie and Sallie  Ann Glassman, published by Destiny Books. Quality presentation drawer pull box containing comorehensive instruction guidebook and 79 cards. US $35 : Can $42 

Sample card: Congo (Water) La Sirene. “ This is the card of the mermaid. While her realm is the ocean or world womb, her human qualities give her access to the mysteries of the land. She is the great bridge between those who inhabit the fathomless depths of the seas and the creatures of dry land. She is the water form of Erzulie and Agwe is her husband. In terms of Chesed she also acts as a connection or a bridge between Agwe and La Baleine, the whale.La Baleine moves freely along the ocean floor and is privy to their secrets. From her, La Sirene has much to tell Agwe.

La Sirene, as her name implies, is a loa responsible for the sake of songs of the Voodoo ceremony. These songs combine Music and the Word to generate the fascination that so strongly focus the attention of the Voodoo devotees. Here once more, La Sirene bridges two elements, music and the spoken word. 

Her card emphasises blue, which is her colour. the card of the mermaid. The whale shown swimming behind her is La Baleine, the great Mother of the Sea. La Sirene is companion to the whale and transmits the generative power of the oceans in the sphere of the emotions. She is a creature of two worlds, bridging the gap between the solid land and the ever shifting waters. Her primary attitude her primary attribute is emotional connection. Her power is that of empathy. 

The Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Lakota Sweat Lodge Cards - Spiritual Teachings of the Sioux. A drawer pull presentation box containing 50 cards and information book. Published by Destiny Books. US: $34.95 : Can: $42.95 : UK: £26.77 Card size: 12cm x 8cm. 

‘Walk in balance with Mother Earth and all her inhabitants’.

Created to honour authentic traditions, with Chief Archie Fire Lame Deer as the consultant, this deck offers understanding of indigenous tribal heritage, healing and wisdom. The deck is divided into three sections: Wakan Tanka, the 16 Great Mysteries, the 8 Supernaturals, and 25 Elements of the Sweat Lodge purification ceremony which are designed for personal development. Included in the book is a loving dedication in the introduction, a poem, the Song of the Black Tail Deer, the Lodge Wheel, information about spirits, planets, elements, and knowledge of the Great Spirit that resembles all created life. 

Celtic Healing Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: Celtic Healing Oracle by Rosemarie Anderson, Boxed set of 64 cards plus guidebook. Boxed set of 64 cards and guidebook. Published by Destiny Books. RRP US $19.99 : Can $24.99 : UK £16.99

Sample: No 11 Lap Dog - Hound of the Goddess. Intimacy with Self. Invoking Loving Attention. The hound of the goddess conveys gentle companionship to the inmost hopes and promptings of the human spirit. Unlike the hound of Hell, in Mediterranean mythology, the Celtic hound is kind and helpful, sitting at the goddess’s feet, resting in her lap, gazing adoringly at her, and nursing from her breasts. The lap dog brings comfort, and loving attention to our emotional and spiritual natures. Now is the greatest and auspicious time to replenish yourself. Old deep wounds are soothed and resolved without trauma, or even conscious attention. Harmful patterns and habits dissolve effortlessly. If you choose this card, you are attracting the benevolent spiritual forces of the spirit world to transform your life from within. Troublesome relationships transform themselves in healthy and beneficial ways. Drawing this card suggests that the spirit world is working to support you. Positive changes are moving within you. You only have to let the changes occur naturally. You are asked to trust. The natural cycle of death and regeneration are working quietly on your behalf. Avoid excessive activity. Try not to do too much overthinking, or wallowing in your troubles or planning the rest of your life! 

The Phoenix Cards

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Phoenix Cards  - Reading & Interpreting Past-Life Influences with the Phoenix Deck by Susan Sheppard. Presentation boxed set of 28 cards and instruction book. Published by Destiny Books. Card size: 14cm x 6cm. 

This divination deck is different to the usual oracle deck. Each card represents a different specialised symbol (letter). Cards are placed together to create a past life reading. The book explains how to use the cards, and there is an introduction to the topic of past lives with a creative meditation to open up the way to understanding past lives. In addition to the number and image on each card, there is a short keyphrase of 6 words and 8 categories with explanations of the Symbol, Place, Time, Groups, Language Groups, Appearance, Traits and Conclusions of each card. 

 

The Tantric Dakini Oracle

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Tantric Dakini Oracle by Nik Douglas and Penny Slinger. Published by Destiny Books. 65 Cards and instruction book in quality drawer pull presentation box. US $35 : Can $39.99

“Look into the mirror of your mind - The home of the Secret Dakini.”

The sandstone Ranipur Jharial Temple in Sambalpur region of India dates from the 8th century when it was an initiation centre. It has 64 statues of the Dakini goddesses surrounding an inner court space where there is a statue of Shiva dancing. These are the inspiration for this oracle deck. 

The Dakinis are aspects of archetypal energies. They is a comparison with the Tarot and a parallel as the 22 Dakinis relate to the 22 cards of the Tarot’s Major Arcana. The further 40 cards in the Tantric Dakini Oracle relate to the Tarot’s pip cards. This deck has 4 elemental suits of 10 cards, and 3 Time Cards that represent the Past, Present and Future. 

Sex Shamans

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Book Review: Sex Shamans - True Stories of Sacred Sexuality and Awakening. Published by Destiny Books. b/w illustrations and photos. RRP US $19.99 : Can $24.99 

How to reach higher consciousness through sexuality! A great subject for a book! Many different experts have contributed and their short biography is provided. KamalaDevi McClure is the Editor. In addition, there are chapters by Bruce Lyon, Lin Holmquist, Laurie Handlers, Dr Deborah Taj Anapol, Ohad Pele Ezrahi, Dawn Cherie Ezrahi, Stephanie Phillips, Patrik Otterman, Sean O’Foolain, Ria Bloom, Raffaello Manacorda, Ellie Wilde, Stephen Soulove, Crystal Dawn Morris, Matooka MoonBear, Janine Ma-Ree, and Baba Dez Nichols. 

Topics are the initiation into the art of love, how to make love for all ages, storytelling, meditation, poetry. The text is supportive, enjoyable and interesting. 

The Stained Glass Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Stained Glass Tarot - An Illuminated Journey through the Cards by James Edward. A Boxed Set of 78 Cards and Guidebook. Published by Destiny Books. 

Sample of poetry: Ace of Cups: “The Ace of Cups, a chalice so bright, an invitation to emotions, and pure light, a new beginning, a fresh start, a path of love to heal one’s heart. It overflows with loving grace, this chalice, a beauty to embrace, a symbol of mercy, a symbol of peace, offering blessing both gentle and deep. It’s water so pure with gentle waves, healing and soothing, a a balm for one’s days, overflowing with passion, with hope, offering kindness and helping one cope. It is a reminder to feel and to care, to pursue one’s passions without any scare, to open our hearts to let love flow, to start a new with the Ace of Cups in tow.” 

Magnetic opening for this stylish presentation box with full colour cards and top quality guidebook. The information provided is suitable for a beginner but the deck is also useful for experienced readers. 

The Hoodoo Tarot

Mind Body & Soul Ezine Card Deck Review: The Hoodoo Tarot - 78-Card Deck and Book for Rootworkers by Tayannah Lee McQuillar. Drawer pull presentation box containing card and book. Published by Destiny Books. US: $35 CAN: $ 43.99 UK: £17.50

American occult and esoteric syncretism is combined with native species plant lore, and words from the Judeo-Christian Bible, alongside personalities drawn from history, myths and storytelling. They all feature in this fascinating deck of cards. I liked the personalisations. We are introduced to selected characters that I found I got to know through my imagination as much as their introduction by the deck creator Tayannah Lee McQuillar.